Top Line: NHL expansion downside; more must-reads

​• Would Las Vegas sports books be willing to remove NHL betting lines—at least those on the home team—if hockey came to town? One gaming industry source says that it would send the wrong message if they did.

• Chris Johnston agrees that expansion is on the horizon, but says that the NHL can take its time before making a commitment to any new cities.

​• Will the Kings sleepwalk through another regular season before taking a serious run at winning their third Stanley Cup since 2012? Given what we've seen of L.A. the last two times the team won a Cup, as long as the Kings qualify, it hardly matters what they do before the postseason tournament begins.

• It's expected that the Devils will have to trade a forward before the season to address a glut up front, but that's not stopping them from inviting another attacker to camp. Former New Jersey center Scott Gomez is coming in as an unsigned tryout player in a last-ditch effort to extend his career. Hard to see him making the cut, but it'd be an interesting story if he did.

More NHL

We've Got Apps Too

Get expert analysis, unrivaled access, and the award-winning storytelling only SI can provide - from Peter King, Tom Verducci, Lee Jenkins, Seth Davis, and more - delivered straight to you, along with up-to-the-minute news and live scores.